Originally a family partnership of wine importers in London. In the 1860’s they had acquired 2 large whisky distilleries in Scotland and a large estate in the Medoc. Converted into this company in 1893. Production of the now famous gin started in 1895. Through a series of amalgamations since the 1960’s the brands now owned by Diageo, itself a merger of Guiness and Grand Metropolitan.
Capital £1,440,000 in 72,000 preference shares of £10 and 72,000 ordinary shares of £10.